Many people have moving horror stories, whether strained backs or broken items. Hiring movers will prevent these nightmares.
Full-service movers typically include packing services and, if necessary, disassembly and reassembly of furniture. They also carry insurance to cover any damages caused during the move. Here’s why movers are worth the money.
It takes a lot of time to pack up your belongings, load them into a rental truck, drive to your new location, and unload. That’s a lot of time that you could spend doing something more valuable – or having fun!
Professional movers are trained to work quickly and efficiently. This saves you a significant amount of time, which can be valuable if you’re trying to meet a deadline or if your move is happening in the middle of a busy season.
Full service movers handle all aspects of the move, including packing, loading and unloading, furniture disassembly, specialty item moving (such as large appliances or pianos), and vehicle transport. Many movers also offer partial-service options that include only loading and unloading services for a lower cost.
Loading and unloading is one of the simplest tasks that movers provide, but it can still take up a good chunk of your day. The more items you have, the longer it will take to get them all on and off of the truck. If you have lots of large furniture pieces, it’s a good idea to disassemble them ahead of time so they are easier to fit through doorways and hallways.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that movers are not usually able to lift anything over 75 pounds, so you will need help from friends or family members if you have very heavy items. If you don’t have anyone who can assist, consider hiring a moving company with extra manpower or renting a larger moving truck.
It’s worth noting that movers may charge extra if they have to climb stairs or travel a long distance in order to reach your residence. This is because it’s a lot harder and more dangerous for them to carry your belongings up and down flights of stairs or through parking garages. If you have stairs or a long driveway, it’s helpful to put out a stair ramp so the movers can easily wheel your furniture onto the truck. You can show your appreciation by offering them snacks and cold drinks, too!
Professional movers will save you money on the upfront cost of renting a moving truck, as well as the additional costs associated with fuel and insurance. They’re also a lot cheaper than hiring friends to help you move. Plus, most reputable movers will offer some kind of damage protection coverage that covers the repair or replacement costs for any items that get damaged during the move. By contrast, a DIY move leaves you solely responsible for any damages that occur.
You can also save money by negotiating with movers and booking their services for a weekday versus a weekend or off-season versus on-season. Skirboll notes that you’ll often be able to cut your moving expenses by about 20 to 30 percent if you’re willing to move during less popular times of the year.
Another way that movers can save you money is by helping you save on packing supplies. They’ll typically have access to bulk quantities of packing materials, like boxes, tape and padding, that can reduce the amount you need to purchase individually. Plus, they’ll know how to pack your belongings safely and securely. That can prevent any accidental dings and dents that may otherwise be caused by throwing your furniture around or shoving it into tight spaces.
If you’re planning to do most of the packing yourself, consider asking friends and family members for their spare boxes. You’ll also want to look into local thrift shops, recycling centers and garage sales for gently-used packing materials. Using free or inexpensive boxes will cut your moving expenses significantly, especially if you’re only moving a short distance.
Also, remember that movers charge by the hour and that your overall cost will go up if you need a larger vehicle to accommodate your belongings. If your home is small enough that a full-service move will be expensive, it might be worth it to hire labor-only movers and rent a smaller moving truck instead. Also, if you’re moving within the same city, ask your movers what type of transportation they use to get to and from your homes. Some companies will use a shuttle to carry your items from their larger trucks to your residence, which could reduce your overall moving expense.
Professional movers have years of experience and are expertly trained in how to pack and protect items during a move. This includes knowing how to safely transfer your prized belongings from one home to another and preventing any accidental damage along the way. Fortunately, even if your stuff does get damaged, you can be confident that your movers will cover their bases with valuation coverage and insurance options.
Your movers will have floor protection, furniture dollies, stair protection, carpet and wall protection and other necessary supplies to ensure your valuables remain safe and secure throughout the move. They will also have the experience to know how best to stack boxes in the truck to lower the risk of damage and increase space utilization. They’ll also have all the proper tools and equipment to carry out your move successfully.
When packing, your movers will wrap your fragile items in bubble wrap and paper before placing them in a box. They will also mark boxes with priority numbers or use different tape to identify which ones contain fragile items. This may take a little extra effort, but it’s a small price to pay for minimizing the chances of your precious heirlooms getting lost in the shuffle.
Even though movers are very careful, they can still accidentally damage your items during a move. That’s why most movers offer different insurance and valuation coverage options to protect your items in the event that they become damaged or lost during the process.
The most popular option is Released Value Protection, which covers up to 60 cents per pound for your items that are lost or damaged during the move. This option is often offered for free by reputable movers.
Moving is a busy time, and it’s easy for movers to become distracted. This is why it’s important to be very clear about where you want your boxes to go and what items are more important than others. By clearly marking boxes with priority numbers and creating an index of your boxes, you can minimize the incentive for movers to steal.
If you hire movers for a full service move, they will do the packing and unpacking for you. However, it’s a good idea to check through the items in your home one final time to make sure that they haven’t accidentally left something behind. This includes checking medicine cabinets, desk drawers and other hiding places. You should also empty your refrigerator and make sure it is completely stocked and wiped down. This way, the movers can get your belongings loaded and into the truck and onto your new house with ease.
Professional movers are experienced in moving and can pack your belongings efficiently, which saves you time. They also know how to handle large and heavy furniture, which reduces the chance of damage or injury. In addition, movers work as part of a team, so they can often get the job done faster than you would on your own.
Another benefit of hiring movers is that they can usually get your belongings moved in one day. This is a big advantage if you have a busy schedule or don’t want to take the time off work that it would require to move on your own.
Local movers will usually come out to your home for an in-home survey before giving you a quote. This will help them get a better idea of what you have to move, how much it weighs and how much manpower will be required to get the job done. They will also be able to give you an accurate estimate of how long the move will take.
When choosing a mover, be sure to select one that has well-maintained trucks and other equipment. You should also choose a company that uses dollies, pads and shrink wrap to protect your belongings during transit. In addition, the moving company should provide boxes of the proper size and other supplies that you might need to pack your belongings.
While movers do many things to make the moving process easier, it is still a very stressful and time-consuming task. It is important to hire a professional movers if you can afford it to minimize the stress and strain on your body during this hectic time.